How to Care for Your Septic Tank and Septic System

• Don’t use chemical household cleaners: i.e. conventional bleaches. They kill the bacteria in the septic tank used to break down waste.
• Don’t put any hazardous chemicals down the drain/toilet: i.e. solvents, paint, motor oils. Not only do they harm your septic tank, they are hard to break down and may end up harming the environment.
• Don’t put grease down the drain: it will eventually cause the inlet drains to be blocked and will require extensive repair work!
• Don’t flush non-biodegradable items: i.e. sanitary items, cat litter, cotton buds. They will fill and clog the septic tank.
• Don’t plant trees nearby: the roots can do serious damage to your septic system. It is also unwise to plant shrubs/vegetables nearby- they may soak up some of the sewage!
• Don’t build over your system: this includes allowing traffic/parking over your system. The weight may compress the pipes.

• Do plant grass on the drainfield: this minimizes soil erosion.
• Do conserve water: this reduces the load on the septic tank.
• Do divert water away from the septic tank drainage area: do this with gutters and landscaping.
• Do have your septic tank maintained annually: the system only needs an annual service and the running cost is the same as a 40w light bulb!